Geelong and the Bellarine are two of the most loved tourist destinations in the world, according to a new study.
The Tourism Sentiment Index released its first Leading Places report last week, ranking the top 100 most loved tourist destinations around the world, according to consumer sentiment.
The Bellarine Peninsula was ranked 25th overall while Geelong came in 69th.
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine deputy executive director Tracy Carter said it was an impressive result for the region’s tourism industry, which had suffered through one of its toughest years in 2021.
“Geelong and the Bellarine have been much-loved destinations for generations of visitors,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see the region recognised in this way by new audiences.
“The incredible experiences we offer are clearly having a positive impact on the conversations people are having online.”
The index analyses comments and conversations about tourist destinations on social media to give each location a sentiment score.
Tourism Sentiment Index conducted an intensive study of its data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations – to identify the 100 most loved destinations.
The Bellarine received a sentiment score of 29.15 and Geelong a score of 25.11.
The Bellarine’s score was higher than well-known destinations including Bordeaux, France (49th), Queenstown, New Zealand (44th) and Las Vegas, United States (32th).
Geelong’s score was higher than Nashville (89th) and Palm Springs (95th) in the United States and Dubrovnik, Croatia (85th).
“As we continue to work with our industry to build the brand of Geelong and the Bellarine and recover from the impacts of the pandemic, this recognition and positive buzz about the region will be really important,” Ms Carter said.
Ms Carter said the Geelong and Bellarine region was becoming known for its “saltwater indulgences, enterprising local artisans, world-class food and wine and cultural experiences”.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was picked as the most loved destination, ahead of the Whitsundays and Udaipur in India.
Queensland was popular in the index, with Noosa and Cairns also finishing in the top 10.
All up there were 30 Australian destinations in the top 100, with the Great Ocean Road placing in 86th.
